"The Importance of Being Earnest-ly" Four

Have you ever watched "The Importance of Being Earnest"? I remember watching it with Jeremy several years ago. A couple of people had told us it was pretty funny and entertaining. I remember both us looking at each other and saying "Huh? I don't get it." There were some funny parts, but there were many other parts that were a little confusing and hard to understand. My little Natalie turned 4 on April Fools. No joke. And like that movie, she can be pretty funny but very puzzling all at the same time.

 Natalie is a drama queen. No really, she loves drama--the good, bad, and the musicals. She is a very passionate girl that sings at the top of her lungs when she is happy and screams at the top of the same lungs when she is upset. Natalie can be heard over the whole Primary belting out "Choose the Right," completely off-key. It puts a smile on my face every time. While some people wish that they lived in a musical, Natalie DOES live in a musical as demonstrated here--

(Don't feel bad if you can't understand the words that she is singing, we can't either.)

Natalie learns and shares what she knows at her own pace. We can pound and pound things into her head and then one day it clicks. This happened with colors a couple of years ago. We did every trick in the book to get her to know her colors-- finally exhausted, we gave up. Then one day she was able to tell me every color that I pointed to. Here's another example, she has been going to a little preschool at a friend's house for several months. Every Wednesday I will ask her what she did, what songs they sang, what books they read, etc. Her answer usually is, "I don't know." Then one day she said, "Mom, I had a good time and that is all you need to know!" Well, recently she came home and recited this from preschool--

Natalie loves to follow people's example, but definitely stands her ground. She has a love/hate relationship with her sister Makayla. Most of the time it is complete love and adoration for Makayla, but when she wants to do her thing, watch out! She will let you know. I am hoping that will play to her advantage later, a likeable person but able to withstand negative peer-pressure.

Best Friends!

Natalie is mischievous. I say this instead of the word "pest" although she can do that too! So fitting for a girl born on April Fools  This year we decided it was the year to play a couple of jokes on her for her birthday. Some of the festivities were--

*Switching her dresser drawers around with Makayla's
*Making their beds the wrong way
*Dinner--as follows--

We had Birthday Cake first--Meatloaf Cake with Mashed Potato Icing

The Main Course--Spaghetti and Meatball Cupcakes (not pictured-Jello Drinks that couldn't slurped through a straw)

There are a lot of things that I am still trying to figure out about my Natalie. I struggle and often get frustrated trying to understand her personality and her behavior. This little girl earnestly wants to be a big girl like her sister. And while she wishes she was five like Makayla, the number four suits her. She already starting to express herself in a more mature way. She tries to help her little brother. I think she will come into her own this year when Makayla goes to school and she gets to be "top dog". Natalie has a tender, soft heart. I love that many times when she is angry, being stubborn or is frustrated she is calmed down by simply snuggling. (Daddy found that one out, Mommy is usually too flustered to figure out what she truly needs.) I love you Natalie, you have blessed our lives with your passion and your "earnestness" as well as your sweet, tender spirit and beautiful smile.  Love you, sis.

I'm back...

After taking a long hiatus from blogging, I'm back. I had to blog about something that has been significant in my life recently. Many of you know that I like to run, well not run, maybe jog, well maybe not even that, I look more like a little, old hunched-over lady shuffling. Not exactly the picture of the tanned, toned, in-perfect-form runner on the "Runner's World" magazine but I get from "A to Z" in a shorter time than a walker. You get the picture. I enjoy running, most of the time. It gets out some frustration, it requires a lot of mental strength and focus, and no one can deny how good the runner's high feels afterwards. I started running about 3 years ago when my friend told me it was a good way to lose weight and I have enjoyed it ever since. I hated running as a teenager or even as an adult but after I had kids it has been a great outlet for me to have complete "me time". I have run a few races here and there mostly 5K and 10K's. But my uncle, who loves to run, talked me into thinking I could run a half marathon. What!?! I didn't think that would be anything I ever would or could do. But he gave me some literature to help me prepare anyway. Little did I know how addicting this would all become. So after running a couple more smaller races, dropping 25 lbs., and training on the treadmill and outside on some very cold Saturday mornings, I did it! Yesterday I ran and finished my first half-marathon!

We went to Lake Havasu City, AZ, 3 hours southwest of Flagstaff. It gets pretty hot there and had been in the 90's all week, but I am sure, just for me it cooled down into the 50's. Perfect running weather, except some wind and a bit of rain, but it wasn't bad. We took the kiddos and stayed in a hotel the night before, they were in heaven. They love hotels and free continental breakfasts. I wasn't as excited about breakfast but put it down anyway. We got to the race a couple of minutes before it started, a little too close for comfort but it turned out okay. Running from the parking lot dragging Makayla turned out to be a great warm-up. As the race started, the first 100-200 yards I felt this overwhelming feeling of "I can't believe I am doing this! I can't believe that my body is strong enough to endure the training that I have put it through to get here." I had such an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the opportunity to participate in something that I never would have dreamed I could do. I also felt an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my body and what an amazing gift it is from Heavenly Father.


Well, during the race I felt great! It is amazing what oxygen does for the body! I am used to running at an elevation of 6500 ft and I was racing at sea-level. My goal was to run it completely (no walking or stopping) in 2:05-2:10, as this would push me comfortably. They had designated pacers that would run at a 1:45, 2:00, 2:10, etc--paces to give you an idea what your time would be. I felt if I could just keep an eye on the 2:00 pacer I would be fine. Well, something magical always happens to me at miles 4,5, and 6 when I have trained with my long runs. I feel amazing, almost like my legs move me and I don't have to concentrate at all. A type of runner's euphoria, if you will. It also helped to see my little family cheering for me at mile 4 with signs. I felt so loved!

Before I knew it I was running alongside the pacer and had a decision to make, if I passed him, I wanted to pass him for good and not fall behind to let him pass me. I decided I could keep the faster pace. So I picked it up and felt good. I did really well until mile 10 when fatigue started to set in but I noticed the pacer gaining on me so I knew I had to pick it up. That was when all the mental strength I could muster came into play. Sure, I needed physical endurance but what the head says goes. I determined that didn't come this far to give up, walk, or pass out. I was going to finish and finish strong. And that is exactly what I did. As I rounded the corner, I was surprised to see the finish line clock at 1 hour 57 minutes! I was going to finish at least 10 minutes faster than my original goal! My ending time was 1:57:34. I couldn't be happier for my first half-marathon. You better believe I am tired and a little sore, but it was well worth it! As for a full-marathon, it is not on the radar right now. They are a little too brutal in my book and take a lot of time to train, but maybe I will branch out and do a triathlon or something different. I will definitely do more half-marathons, I am officially hooked! Thanks Uncle Lynn for inspiring me to do something more than I ever dreamed of doing! Also thanks goes to my friend Tera for giving me encouragement and expert advice. You know your stuff girl! Last but not least, Jeremy been amazingly supportive, encouraging, and patient throughout the good, bad, and the ugly of my training. I couldn't have done it without you, Sweetheart! Thank you for helping me achieve my goals.
Finishing strong, tired but strong

Makayla at Lake Havasu

Classic Natty pose

Carter in his happy place, the kid loves water.

Humbled

I doubt this post will come out cohesive or even coherent, more like confused and convoluted but I need to write down what I am feeling before I can go to sleep. I have been given a task in the ward that to some is nothing, but to me, it has been like building the ark. I have been asked to plan the Ward Christmas Program/Party. Now to some that is not a big task, especially because I don't need to plan the food or advertise, but to me, it is overwhelming and scary, especially when I was asked less than 4 weeks prior to the event. Now I am not complaining, just stating a fact that I am definitely being stretched and very much humbled with this assignment.

When leading something like this there is always a temptation to just run it yourself. After all, you know how you see it in your mind and you can carry it out. I am so grateful I didn't succumb to temptation, but rather, opted for the committee. I was given the opportunity of picking anyone in the ward to be on my committee, I picked 4 people that I truly thought could help aid me in this endeavor. They all have different talents and abilities. Most importantly, they are willing to serve. I couldn't have been more right in my choices. I stand in awe of their strengths, experience and willingness to give it their all for this short-notice program. I had an idea, and thought it was planned out to the best of my abilities (not all the details, but it was straight in my inexperienced mind). I couldn't have been more off-base and naive. After talking things over, brainstorming, and problem solving, the theme I had is still the focus, but it is so much more simple, stream-lined, and attainable. I sat in awe at the willingness of this committee to work together to give value to each others' opinions, while being honest and realistic in their feedback. Once we had a unified direction, it took no time for people to volunteer for different assignments. I truly feel blessed and humbled to see them in action.

I know these people probably won't ever read this blog, but I truly feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude for them. I know the reason why Heavenly Father wanted me to be in charge of this assignment. It was not only to create an amazing, never-forget Christmas program, (it will be stellar) it was to teach me how as a leader I am blessed to be lead by others. What a fantastic learning experience He has given me!

Fun-tober Fest

I think I am becoming a snow bird. Living in Tucson, we weren't too fond of the old, blue-haired people making the roads a deadly place to drive. However, I'm becoming one of them (minus the cotton candy hair.) Beautiful warm sunshine+family= one happy Jamie. We made Grandpa Williams' yummy baked apples, went to the park, shopped a little, played out in the yard, went to the gym and got silly with Aunt Carli and Aunt Kristin. Then we took these pictures . . .

Carter's adventures with the doggy door. I couldn't find him one day for several minutes. I was getting nervous when my mom found him coming in though his new door. He got a little stuck so it wasn't such a popular exit/entry as I thought it would be. But he would attempt it from time to time.



Carving pumpkins with Aunt Carli and Aunt Kristin. This is usually Jeremy's department but the ladies and I pulled it off this year just fine!




Early start on Trick or Treat. We went to my parent's ward party/Trunk or Treat on Friday. It was a blast! Makayla was a queen, Natalie was a witch, and Carter was a monkey. Funny thing about Natty is when we put on the green paint, it initially scared her so much that she didn't like it. She got use to it and I thought she looked awesome!




Makayla had an early birthday party with the Williams family. Can't believe this girl is 5 already! Where did that time go?





Last but not least--I ran a 10K. I loved it! It was a little windy, but it was a fun race and I PR-57:34. It feels so good to run! Don't get me wrong, I'm tired and my body is sore, but it feels good to accomplish goals and the runner's high is certainly worth it!




So there you have it! Once I can win the lottery, we will be buying a winter home in a warmer climate, closer to Grandma!

Bipedalism Happens

It is official, Carter is a biped. Jeremy asked me why I can't just say, "We have another walker." That is boring and when you are talking about your 3rd kid you need to spice things up.

He's been a little chicken for the last couple of months. He can walk with you holding one finger or walk one-handed with his walker, but when you try to get him walking on his own, he plops down and won't stand up again. Last night he decided to brave it. We had had his buddy that is a month younger than him over earlier yesterday and he watched as Dryan would stand, and even walk one-legged in a circle. Carter decided standing looked cool enough so he tried it and it was fun! Because he showed me he had good balance I decided to try once more walking solo. Not only did he take 1-2 steps (which he's done before and then given up) but he walked 4-5 really solid steps. By the end of our game, he was walking basically across the room and starting down the hall! Look out world, Carter is going to run you over!

July isn't for Party Poopers!

After our big summer vacations to opposite sides of the United States, I was ready to settle down to have a nice quiet summer. Ha! The calendar had something else in store. July was too fun . . .


We spent it with our friends, the Hansens. The more I am around them, the more I like them! They are so easy to hang out with and we had some pretty good laughs like this ...
(You need to watch all three videos in order to get the full effect.)



They came over for dinner, a cold, QUICK dip in the kiddy pool (the kids not the parents), hillbilly golf, sparklers, cookie decorating, and some playing with the new Kinect game. So fun!






Aunt Kristin came for 2 weeks!!

Hallelujah!! I don't know who loves this more, the kids or Mommy! My youngest sister is 17 and has been visiting us every summer since before we had Makayla. I love having her here not only for the help (and she is a HUGE help) but I love being around her! She is a beautiful girl inside and out. I love how she treats my children. They adore her, especially Natalie. She is an amazing example to my girls of what a righteous, sweet, pure young woman should be. I love that she is just here, we don't always have to be talking, but just having her around makes me happy. Thank you Kris, I love you so much!

We won "Game On"--a Morriss family weight loss competition!
For 4 weeks we had a list of things we could and could not do individually but we worked on getting points as a team, like--get 7 hours of sleep every night, drink 3 liters of water everyday, exercise at least 20 minutes daily, eat 5 small meals, create a good habit and get rid of a bad habit and work on it daily, communicate with a team member and an opponent daily and if you lost 1% of your body weight weekly you got a bonus of 140 points. We all chipped in $25 making the grand total of $250. We won!!! And as an added bonus we made the losing team a trophy that they need to display for 1 month. Here is the beauty. Oh, by the way, I lost 10.5 lbs. and Jeremy lost a little under 10 lbs.!! Not too shabby! Now to lose 10 more . . .

The trophy & our skinnier selves

The 24th of July celebration in Snowflake!
I have come to the conclusion that Pioneer Day to me is kinda like Christmas morning. I grew up loving the festivities, the parade, kid race, the rodeo, the community play, fireworks, Grandma Schneider's homemade root beer and oh, all the fun cousins! But as I grew older, it kind of lost its appeal and actually I felt it was pretty silly. Until this year, when my kids could enjoy it and I could pass on some of those traditions and excitement to them. We had a blast!! I took Makayla to the melodrama and she loved it! Then there was the races, (I ran my first race back since Carter was born, it felt soooo good!) the parade with all the candy, the park with the bouncy houses, the rodeo, the fireworks and being around all the fun family. And oh, did my kids love Grandma's root beer! So much fun! Thanks Schneider family for making memories for my kids! What a legacy.

The girls at the parade

Makayla showing her "guns" after her race

Part of the family at the rodeo


And if July wasn't fun enough--my baby boy turned one!!
Yep, my sweet little cuddly Carter has turned into a toddler. It has actually made me pretty sad. I miss that little, happy, content baby! He still is a momma's boy but he is into everything now, even eating the toilet bowl brush. I have never experience this type of kid before. So curious, so adventurous, so exhausting!! For his birthday we had a little family party and then had a little friend pool party. Daddy went to great lengths to get the pool nice and warm. Carter's buddies, with the exception of one, weren't too interested, but Carter had a great time splashing and crawling around. Daddy also did all the birthday shopping for his boy, very sweet if you ask me. Here is the big boy enjoying his big day!


Love that little face of excitement

My sad attempt at his birthday cake. It didn't want to cooperate and I wanted to curse. Happy birthday Carter! :)

California Craziness!!

We love to party!! Just 3 short weeks after our Morriss Family Extravaganza in Georgia we went to play with the Williams side of the family in California. This trip was much shorter, but oh, so much fun! The 10-hour car trip was not for sissies and the kids were champs. We arrived and the kids were thrilled to do this-

What is so cool about hotel beds, anyway? They would have been happy to stay here but we had more in store for them . . .

The next day was Knott's Berry Farm. One word, AWESOME!!! The girls loved every ride. Makayla loved the bumper cars and she was tall enough to ride a Mommy/Daddy roller coaster. That was the bees knees for her! She could have ridden that all day. This is her showing how tough she was to ride "her" roller coaster.


Natalie was a little ticked that she couldn't ride the "big kid" rides but there were enough fun things for here to do there, like this-


Carter just hung out in the stroller and was fine with that as long as he wasn't hungry. We tried to put him on the carousel but he wasn't too excited about it.


As if that wasn't fun enough, the beach was the next day. One word for the ocean, FRIGID. I didn't brave it past my legs, Jeremy did though. Crazy man. Natalie and Makayla were content on the beach, on the warm, black sand.



Carter found a sucker (aka-Grandpa) to walk him on the beach. Once this kid is on two feet you can't get him to stop without a lot of tears shed. Grandpa was a great sport.


Are we having fun yet? You better believe it! Family games, foosball and shooting some pool in rec room, the swimming pool, and a stroll on the pier sure helped.







One of the best ways to travel right is to go to the temple. Grandma and Grandpa were willing to watch our crazy kids while we went to the San Diego Temple. Two words--GORGEOUS and PEACEFUL. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa!! It was just what we needed.


This trip was wonderful! Thank you Williams family for all you did to make our trip fantastic! It was great to see and visit everyone! We love you so much and hope we can get together again soon!